PMS, Cramps, and Irregular Periods

A girl's periods
can cause some uncomfortable symptoms. Most of the time, there's no reason for concern.
But some problems need care from your daughter's doctor.

Here's how to help your daughter cope with most period problems.

What Is Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)?

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is when a girl has mood and body changes before or
during her period. It's usually at its worst during the 4 days before a period. PMS
usually goes away 2 to 3 days after the period begins.

has PMS symptoms that don't go away after the first few days of her period

What Are Period Cramps?

Period cramps are pain in the lower belly during a girl's period. Many girls have
cramps during the first few days of their periods. Period cramps are caused by prostaglandin,
a chemical in the body that makes the muscle in the uterus contract.

What Can Help if My Daughter Has Cramps?

If cramps bother your daughter, she can try:

a warm heating pad on her belly

taking ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, or store brand) or naproxen (Aleve or store brand);
this works best if the medicine is started at the first sign of cramps

When Should We Call the Doctor?

Call your daughter's doctor if:

severe cramps keep your daughter home from school or doing her usual activities

the cramps that do not get better with ibuprofen or naproxen

What Are Irregular Periods?

Irregular periods are when a girl or woman does not get her period about every
4–5 weeks. In the first 2 years after a girl starts getting her period, it is
normal for the cycles to be irregular. But by about 2 years after periods start, they
should be on a regular cycle.

How Can I Help My Daughter?

Help your daughter track her periods so she knows if they are regular. She should
record when her period comes, how long it lasts, and any problems she has during it.
She can use a calendar, app, or write it down in a notebook.

When Should We Call the Doctor?

Call the doctor if your daughter:

has had her period for 2 years and still does not get it about every 4–5
weeks

gets her period regularly, but then doesn't get it for 3 months

gets her period regularly, but then it becomes irregular

has periods that are very heavy (she goes through more than one pad or tampon
an hour)

has periods that last longer than about a week

Looking Ahead

Most girls settle into a regular period schedule and can manage any bothersome
symptoms with home treatment. But talk to the doctor if you think there could be a
problem with your daughter's periods.